27M from Long Island — Should I Leave NY for a Teaching Opportunity in Arizona?

<!-- SC_OFF --><div class="md"><p>&#x200B;</p> <p>I’m 27 and currently living on Long Island, trying to figure out my next move. I just got an opportunity through a program in Arizona where they’ll help me become a teacher. A couple of mentors/teachers there are guiding me through it, and by year 2 I’d be making around $50k.</p> <p>Here’s where I’m stuck:</p> <p>My long-term goal was always to come back to New York and teach here. Eventually, I could be making $80–90k. But realistically… the cost of living here is insane. Starter homes on Long Island are like $500k minimum, and that’s not changing anytime soon.</p> <p>Meanwhile in Arizona:</p> <p>Much lower cost of living</p> <p>Starter homes around $150k (!!)</p> <p>The program basically sets me up with little to no debt</p> <p>I’d have 4 years to figure out if I actually want to stay or not</p> <p>Certification could transfer to other states like Texas or Florida</p> <p>So now I’m questioning everything — why rush back to NY where I can’t even afford to settle down? Arizona seems like it gives me flexibility, experience, and a chance to actually build a life.</p> <p>At the same time, NY is home. Family, familiarity, and the higher eventual salary are hard to ignore.</p> <p>Has anyone made a similar move? Left NY (or another high-cost state) for somewhere more affordable and then decided whether to come back or stay?</p> <p>Would really appreciate any advice or perspectives.</p> </div><!-- SC_ON --> submitted by <a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/muslim_ballerr"> /u/muslim_ballerr </a> <br/> <span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/longisland/comments/1t1v49j/27m_from_long_island_should_i_leave_ny_for_a/">[link]</a></span> <span><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/longisland/comments/1t1v49j/27m_from_long_island_should_i_leave_ny_for_a/">[comments]</a></span>